Overview
- Retired justice Celso de Mello sent a formal letter to STF President Edson Fachin marking the Court’s 135th anniversary, which was publicly circulated on March 1–2.
- He writes that a constitutional court’s authority does not rest on the rhetoric or illusion of power but on institutional coherence, disciplined conduct, prudent words, and integrity.
- He argues that public confidence depends on the exemplariness of justices, citing impartiality, composure, discretion, and decorum, and that appearing honest is as vital as being honest.
- He urges reinforced prudence in speech, gestures, public exposure, and relationships, warning that conduct outside cases can strengthen or weaken trust and erode constitutional authority.
- Coverage notes the message arrives during scrutiny of some ministers’ close ties and relatives’ lucrative legal work before the Court, while the letter itself announces no new measures.